Relief of Pain from Headaches and TMJ.

Relief of Pain from Headaches and TMJ Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the surrounding musculature have been identified as producing orofacial and head pain. This book contains chapters on background anatomy, evaluation, and management. Each chapter begins with an overview and ends with a summary. Technical terms are in bold type in the text and defined in the glossary located in the resource section. A bibliography also is available at the end of the book.

The author discusses basic jaw function to help the reader gain the knowledge needed to effectively evaluate and treat dysfunction. Medical and dental considerations are covered. Radiographic photographs help the reader view anatomical structures that were previously unobservable. The line drawings that illustrate anatomy are good, and analogies are provided for concepts such as restricted soft tissue. Physical therapy management, including modality usage, is the subject of one entire chapter. In the chapter on physical therapy management, muscles and fascia are highlighter. Principles of treatment to desensitize trigger points, release restriction and restore range of motion, and strengthen muscles are discussed. The modalities mentioned include heat, rest, cold, and electrical stimulation. Because the muscles of the neck and jaw are the most common causes of TMJ disorders, the author includes sections on posture, neuromuscular reeducation, biomechanics, and awareness.

The author emphasizes that setting and achieving goals is important in reducing pain. Included are patient stories that emphasize the importance of compliance and integration of treatment techniques in achieving optimal function and recovery. The patients pass on advice and information about treatment modalities that helped reduce their pain.

The holistic approach to treating TMJ dysfunction is discussed throughout the book. All physical therapy practitioners could use this as a handy reference for themselves or as a resource to share with their patients. A reference that could be added to the bibliography list for clinicians interested in evaluating and treating patients with TMJ disorders is The Management of Pain (Chapter 40) by John J Bonica, which contains in-depth information about muscles of mastication, myofascial syndromes, and joint changes.